After restoring electricity on Thursday to all customers in rural areas impacted by public safety shutoffs, strong Santa Ana winds overnight forced San Diego Gas & Electric to turn off the power again.
As of 6 p.m. Friday, as the spell of extremely dry and blustery conditions was winding down, all customers affected by the public-safety power shutoffs were back online, according to SDG&E public affairs.
Around 4,500 customers had remained without power at about 3 p.m. Friday. Areas where residents lost power included Boulevard, Campo, Julian, Pine Valley and multiple reservations.
SDG&E field employees will inspect power lines on foot and by air to monitor conditions, the utility said. The company encouraged all residents to stay ready “in the coming days” in case another shutoff event is deemed necessary.
Communities, including Alpine, El Cajon, Chula Vista, Pala, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe, had been on notice about possible power shutdowns.
“SDG&E thanks its customers for their patience and understanding as it continues to prioritize community safety,” the utility said in a statement Friday morning.
During high winds, downed power lines can spark major wildfires, especially during periods of low humidity and dry brush.
SDG&E noted both the Santa Ana winds and the county’s driest start to the rainy season in over a century.
The weather forecast for Friday calls for wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph in San Diego’s inland valleys and mountains.
SDG&E said its emergency operations center and team of meteorologists continue to monitor high winds and severe wildfire conditions around the clock.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Last updated at 7:10 p.m. Jan. 10, 2025
